Passport and Consular Services

Timings Passport and Consular services applications can be made from 0930 to 1230 hrs and Delivery of Passport/Consular Documents will be from 1600-1700 hrs on all working days, except Saturdays, Sundays and Gazetted Holidays.

Machine Readable Passport (MRP) The Government of India has introduced Machine Readable Passport (MRPs) w.e.f. August 26, 2007. Under this system, passport applicants at High Commission of India Colombo should apply online on the web site www.passport.gov.in/nri. After accessing this website, Applicants may please click the “Continue” icon situated on the bottom left of the website page. An online application form will appear. After filling in details, the applicants may please click the “Save” icon. A web file number and application form for download shall be generated and can be printed by the applicant. In case, applicants are unable to get the print-out of the filled up form due to any reason, the same can be printed later by entering web file number and Date of Birth.

The printed application form along with required documents and fee may be submitted at the Consular Section from where it will be sent for printing at the Central Processing Center of the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. After printing of the passports, these would be couriered back to the Mission for signature and delivery to the applicants. This process may take three to four weeks. All applicants are requested to cooperate and submit their applications at least three-four weeks in advance of travel in order to avoid inconvenience.

Looking into the problems of Indian nationals including those detained /remanded in jails for various crimes/charges.

Labour problems

Workmen & death compensation in respect of Indian nationals.

Pension related issues concerning Indian Nationals

Registration of Birth & Death in respect of Indian nationals.

Issuing Police Clearance Certificates in respect of Sri Lankan as well as Indian nationals for the period of stay in India for more than 6 months.

Registration of marriage of Indian Nationals.

Consular assistance for Indians died in Sri Lanka.

Consular assistance under Merchant Shipping Act

Passport and Consular fees

ANNEXURE-‘A’

Revised Fee Structure of the Passport,OCI and Misc. Consular

services w.e.f. September 01, 2017 (w.r.t ICWF fee Change)

I. PASSPORT

SLRs. (rounded off)

Service Chrgs (ICWF)

Total

(SLRs)

1.

For issue of Ordinary fresh passport containing 36 pages having validity of 10 years(also applicable to minors in the age group of 15 to 18 years)

11690

310

12,000

2.

For issue of Ordinary fresh passport or reissue of passport containing 60 pages having validity of 10 years(also applicable to minors in the age group of 15 to 18 years)

15580

310

15,890

3.

For issue of Ordinary fresh passport or reissue of passport of 36 pages for minors below 18 years with validity of 5 years or till the minor attains the age of 18 years, whichever is earlier

7790

310

8,100

4.

For issue of fresh or reissue of India-Bangladesh Passport for any other named foreign country with a maximum validity of 10 years

7790

310

8,100

5.

Replacement of passport of 36 pages having validity of 10 years for changes in personal particulars

11690

310

12,000

6.

Replacement of passport of 60 pages having validity of 10 years for changes in personal particulars

15580

310

15,890

7.

Replacement of passport of 36 pages for changes in personal particulars for minors below the age of 18 years with validity of five years or till the minor attains the age of 18 years, whichever is earlier

7790

310

8,100

8.

Replacement of passport of 36 pages having validity of 10 years for deletion of Emigration Check Required stamp

11690

310

12,000

9.

Replacement of passport of 60 pages having validity of 10 years for deletion of Emigration Check Required stamp

15580

310

15,890

II. SPECIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENT

SLRs.

(Rounded off)

Service Chrgs

(SLRs)

Total

(SLRs)

10.

Emergency Certificate

2340

310

2,650

11.

Certificate of Identity

7790

310

8,100

12.

Additional ordinary passport containing 36 pages for any country with initial validity up to one year

11690

310

12,000

III. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES –

SLRs. (Rounded off)

Service Chrgs.

Total

(SLRs.)

13.

Issue of Police Clearance Certificate or Surrender Certificate or any other miscellaneous certificates based on the passport (CS10)

3900

310

4,21

IV. PASSPORTS IN LIEU OF LOST, DAMAGED -

SLRs. (rounded off)

Service chrgs.

Total

(SLRs.)

14.

For replacement of ordinary passport of 36 pages in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport

23370

310

23,680

15.

For replacement of ordinary passport of 60 pages in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport

27270

310

27,580

V. OTHER CONSULAR SERVICES -

SLRs. (rounded off)

Service chrgs. (ICWF)

Total

(SLRs.)

16.

POA/Birth Certificate (CS2)

3350

310

3,660

17.

Endorsement (CS15)

3350

310

3,660

18.

Attestation, Sponsorship, Affidavit (CS1)

1560

310

1,870

19.

Change of Master/Business Document (CS3)

7790

310

8,100

20.

Death Certificate (CS4)

Gratis

21.

Sale of Ship Document

40510

310

40,820

22.

Attestation of ship document (CS6)

7790

310

8,100

23.

OCI

42850

470

43,320

24.

OCI Misc Service

3900

470

4,370

25.

OCI damaged and lost

15580

470

16,050

26.

General Certificate

3220

310

3,530

27.

Renunciation of Indian citizenship (CS11)

22420

310

22,730

28.

Surrendering of Indian passport after obtaining foreign nationality (CS12)

2890

310

3,200

Visa

Visa Services

The High Commission of India, Colombo will accept Visa applications only for Research visa category apart from Diplomatic and Official Passport holders, at the Visa hall located in the main building at 36-38,Galle road, Colombo – 3, w.e.f. February 11, 2008. Timings for accepting visa applications at the Mission- Between 0930 hrs and 1200 hrs, and Distribution of Passports submitted is from 1630 hrs to 1715 hrs, on all working days. Visa applications for the other categories like Tourist, Business, Student, Employment, Medical & Medical Attendant, Journalist, Transit and Entry Visas should be submitted directly at the IVS Global India Visa Application Centre(IVAC), located at 129, Philip Gunawerdana Mawatha, Colombo-04, w.e.f. 2.9.2013. The IVS Global, Colombo has been authorized by the High Commission of India, Colombo to accept visa applications for aforementioned categories of visas, collect Indian visa fees (as applicable) and IVS Global IVAC visa processing charges of LKR 42 per visa application and return the Passports to the applicants after due process.

For non-Sri Lankan nationals and non-resident Sri Lankans, an additional fee of LKR 310/- will be charged for fax reference process.Fax reference form can be downloaded here.

ANNEXURE 'A' BUSINESS VISA

ANNEXURE 'B' EMPLOYMENT VISA FEES

Visa Instruction:-

Encircle the appropriate boxes on top of the form to indicate your visa requirements carefully.

(S),(D),(T) and (M) stands for single, double, triple and multiple entries/visit to India. {<3M}, {6M}, and {12M} correspond to period for which visa is required. It may please be ensured that the passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of application. [T],[B],(M),(MX),[S],[E],[TR],[R],[C],[J] and [X] stand for the type of visa, like Tourist - [T].

Visa Application Form is accepted at the counter only if the applicant presents himself/herself for isubmission.

All columns must be correctly and carefully filled. Incomplete forms will be rejected summarily.

Photocopy of National Identity Card (NIC) or Birth Certificate (BC) must accompany the visa application form. Original must be shown during interview.

Previous Passports (Original must be shown) and details (enclose a photocopy) of dual Nationality/Green Card must be submitted.

Visa applicants with dual nationality must produce both the passports ( along with photocopies) at the time of application.

Acceptance of visa application does not necessarily mean grant of visa.

Visa Fee, once received, cannot be refunded even if the Visa application is withdrawn or service cannot be rendered.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify visa particulars on receipt of passport and before traveling.

Suppression of facts or furnishing misleading/false information will result in denial of visa without assigning any reasons.

Granting of visa does not confer the right of entry and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.

For non-Sri Lankan nationals applying for a visa, photocopy of their passport must be enclosed with the visa application form.

In cases where a fresh application is filed during the validity of an existing visa, the new visa issued will automatically annul existing visa irrespective of its validity still remaining and no fee refunds are admissible.

Children (irrespective of age) intending to travel to India, must apply on a passport in their own names.

In the following cases, processing of application will take longer. ( Minimum of 5-6 working days):

a) Sri Lankan nationals with Resident visa of some other country. b) Applicants not resident in Sri Lanka for at least 12 months prior to date of application.Business & Employment Visa applicants must be residents of Sri Lanka for at least 2 years. c) Where clearance from India is mandatory. d) Visitors to restricted/protected areas.(Details available at our Mission). e) Certain cases where documents need to be verified.

Visa applications of non-resident foreign nationals will be entertained for short term Tourist visa ( 3 month/single entry ). They are advised to obtain long term Tourist visas and other categories of visas from the country of their origin .

Canvassing for visa, suppression of material facts or submission of forged / false documents is a disqualification. Overstay of visa or violation of visa rules is a disqualification for grant of visa.

Invitation to foreign sports teams and sports persons to visit India are to be extended by concerned Sports Federations/Associations in India after obtaining approval of Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs ,Govt. of India . The Organisers should obtain approval from the above Ministry before inviting foreign Sports persons/teams.

An applicant who desires to visit any Restricted/Protected areas in India is required to submit an application in the prescribed proforma for issue of a special permit, in addition to the visa application. Details are available at the Mission.

Change of purpose of visit is not allowed. In a rejected case, fresh application will not be accepted by the Mission on other grounds.

If the old passport/s of the visa applicant is/are lost, a photocopy of the police complaint should be submitted along with visa application and current valid passport.

Visa forms/invitation letters sent to the High commission by e-mail/fax will not be accepted nor any correspondence entertained. Processing of Visa request commences only after payment of visa fee and referral charges. Visa fee is non-refundable.

Visa is valid for the given period from the date of issue.

The HCI reserves the right to delay/refuse visa without assigning any reasons. Visas are issued subject to various checks and clearances.

The High Commission of India reserves the right of granting and deciding type of visa / duration of visa / number of entries, irrespective of the fees tendered.

Documents Required for Visa:

Duly filled in visa application ( in prescribed format) should be submitted along with following documents.

Valid current passport (at least 6 months validity with 2 adjacent blank pages for affixing visa) and previous passports. Non- production of previous passports can result in delay/refusal of visa. Photo on the Passport and Form must tally with applicant’s present appearance. The applicant may face risk of deportation by authorities in India on arrival if the photograph does not match with his/her appearance.

Copy of N.I.C. card or Birth Certificate ( For Sri Lankan nationals only ) should be enclosed.

No objection letter from either of the parents if a minor is traveling with one parent . If the minor is traveling alone or with relatives, consent letter signed by both the parents is required

Additional documents are required depending upon the type of visa applied for. Details are below (Types of Visas).

Specific Requirements for Each Visa Category:

I Tourist Visa (T):

It is non-extendable and non – convertible to other types of visas and its misuse would entail deportation by Indian authorities. It may also entail denial of visa by the Mission.

Proof of financial solvency and proof of confirmed return tickets may be sought in some cases.

II Business Visa (B):

It is generally granted for short visits to India for engaging in business or attending business meeting/negotiations. Stay or seeking employment in India under Business visa is illegal. This visa is to be used for short visits and not for continuous stay in India for engaging in business.

Appropriate endorsement of occupation/profession on the passport as businessman is necessary.

Also, documents such as company registration certificate, position held by the applicant in the company, invitation letters from company in India or a letter from applicant’s company sponsoring the business visit to India indicating nature of applicant’s business, probable duration of stay, places and companies in India to be visited, are to be enclosed.

Copy of Business Registration Certification issued by the Sri Lankan authorities should be enclosed along with application. Applicants desiring Multiple entries should enclose the recent copy of “Bill of Lading” issued by Indian/Sri Lankan authorities.

III Student Visa (S):

It is granted for study only in Government of India recognized educational institutions/Colleges for foreigners to pursue a recognized course. Before seeking admission, Students are advised to confirm these two aspects, as production of documents relating to recognitions of the institute/college for study by foreigners and recognition of the course will be necessary for grant of student visa. Please also note that some new courses run by a few established colleges have not yet been recognized by the Government.

Tourist Visa is not convertible to Student Visa. Seeking admission /studying in India under Tourist visa is illegal.

Student visa would be granted only for full term of the course. Student visa for primary school education will not be entertained . Bonafide certificate, issued by the educational authorities in India, should indicate the full term of the course as well as the relevant year in which the applicant would be pursing the course.

Submission of proof of Academic records in respect of education completed will be necessary. Evidence of admission to the Institute/Course from recognized University / Board ( Indicate name of Institution/address/Tel & Fax no. & e-mail/website address); bonafide certificate as a student if already pursuing studies in India, Photocopies of relevant academic certificates on the basis of which admission is sought or has been obtained and Satisfactory evidence of financial support - bank guarantee / letter of support from parent / guardian. The Student should also produce evidence of transfer of funds for at least 4 months sustenance in India or show Travellers Cheques for a similar amount.

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Government of India (G.O.I.) is necessary for grant of student visa to pursue a medical/ para-medical course in recognized medical colleges and diploma/degree/post-graduate courses in recognized engineering institutions/polytechnics. Aspiring students are advised to obtain G.O.I’s NOC from the institution before applying for visa. It may please be noted that admission to professional courses is regulated by GOI and institutions cannot grant admission directly without the consent/approval of the GOI/concerned state Government.

As regards institutions/procedures, aspiring students may take guidance from the Education Wing of the High Commission. (Details on our website).

IV Employment Visa (E)

Copy of the Contract/Agreement of Employment with the Indian employer in Senior Managerial/Executive positions or jobs needing very special skills, will be necessary.

Proof of registration of the company under relevant provisions of the Government of India rules,

A letter from the employer indicating nature of the job, salary structure and duration of hire

Justification letter from the employer for proposing to hire a foreigner should be submitted. Proof of qualifications and work experience of the applicant also need to be enclosed .

The spouse and children accompanying the applicant would be issued the visa only after the applicant obtains employment visa. The copy of the applicant ‘s employment visa should be attached with the spouse/children application along with a copy of marriage/birth certificate/s.

Employment visa is extendable in India by Immigration Department. Registration is mandatory.

Non-residents of Sri Lanka will not be issued Employment visa by our Mission.

V Transit Visa (TR)

It is granted for the sole purpose of enabling a foreigner to travel through India to reach his ultimate destination

For stay in India beyond 3 days, appropriate visa must be obtained.

Applicant must submit detailed travel plans along with his/her form and produce confirmed tickets.

No transit visa is required for a person passing through in direct transit by air, where then is no through flight, provided he/she does not leave the specified precincts of the Airport.

VI Research Visa (R)

Foreigners desiring to undertake research work in India must apply (6 copies) in the prescribed format, at least three months in advance, to the Secretary, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, New Delhi, giving full bio-data and synopsis of the thesis. Research visa needs prior clearance form the Government of India.

Acceptance letter from the Indian institution and details such as period of proposed research in India, educational qualifications, arrangement for stay and meeting expenditure towards boarding/lodging, must accompany the ApplicationForm.

VII Conference Visa (C)

Conference Visas are given to foreign delegates to International conferences/seminars/workshops/meetings/symposia held by Government bodies, International Organisations , Public sector units , NGO’s, etc.

The conferences, etc. should have been cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), nodal Ministry, concerned State Government/UT and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) , Government of India . It is the responsibility of the Organizers to obtain clearances through the nodal ministries from MHA , MEA and concerned State Government/UT before sending the invitation letters to the foreign participants.The applicants for the conference visa should produce the invitation letters at the time of application.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance and ensure that the organizers who are inviting by them have obtained necessary approval from the MHA , concerned State Governments/UT, nodal Ministries and MEA, Government of India.

The following Documents are required to be attached along with the application for a Conference Visa: 1. Invitation letter from the organizer. 2. Security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India. 3. Administrative approval of the nodal Ministry. 4. Political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India. 5. Clearance from the State Government/UT concerned.

VIII Journalist Visa (J)

Applicants representing recognized print/electronic media and visiting India on professional work must apply well in advance.

They can contact the Counsellor (Press, Information &Culture) at the Mission for details.

IX Entry Visa :

It is granted to spouse of Indian nationals, particularly those who want to live in India with their Indian wife/husband. Permanent place of residence of the Indian national in India is necessary.

The spouse of the Indian national must enclose along with the application form, a copy of the Indian passport of his/her spouse with the applicant’s name duly endorsed in the Indian passport, along with a copy of the marriage certificate. Orginal marriage certificate should be shown at the time of visa application.

It is extendable in India. Return to Sri Lanka is not necessary to renew the visa.

Foreigners coming to India for learning Yoga/Vedic Culture in recognised institutions in India will also get Entry Visa.

Original medical papers indicating appointment in India and treatment in Sri Lanka

Bank statement for 6 months and solvency certificate from bank.

May fill up addition proforma as below, on a separate page.

S.No.

In Srilanka

In India

1

Name of hosp/clinic which referred you to India.Name of Doctor.

Name of hosp/clinic where you wish to undergo treatment.Name of Doctor.

2

Complete address of hosp/clinic.

Complete address of hosp/clinic where you plan to go for treatment.

3

Tel.no./faxno./e-mail/website address

Tel.no./faxno./e-mail/website address

Registration of Foreigners in India:

It is necessary when a foreigner intends to stay in India continuously for a period beyond 180 days. It is mandatory in respect of foreigners visiting India on Student/Employment/Research/Entry/Medical/Medical Attendant Visas.

The registration has to be done within 14 days of his/her first arrival with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India.

Registration is not endorsed on passport and acceptance of disembarkation card on arrival by Immigration officials does not amount to registration. A separate Certificate of Registration / Residential Permit (RP) is issued by Immigration officials in India on fulfillment of certain conditions.

Registration in required only once during the validity of a long-term visa, irrespective of number of times the foreigner is visiting/departing India on a multi-entry facility.

The registration document is required to be shown to the Immigration officials at the port of departure, every time, while departing India. It is required to be surrendered to the immigration officials at the port of departure at the time of last departure, when another immediate visit on the same visa is not anticipated.